Harish Makam 02 Dec 2022 1 year ago At some point, nearly every road vehicle will need to be transported from one place to another. This could be because the owner is moving to a new home or sold to a new owner. When you are planning to relocate, one of the many things on your mind would be how to transport your car. You could drive it yourself, but that would add a lot of wear and tear to your vehicle and use up much of your valuable time. Plus, there is always the risk of accidents happening on the way. So, hiring a professional auto transport service is the best option. But with so many companies offering these services, it cannot be easy to choose one that is reliable and affordable. Before hiring an auto transport services provider, you should ask a few questions to ensure you’re making the best decision for your needs. Here are 15 of the most important ones: 1. What is your company’s experience transporting cars? An experienced auto transport company will have a good understanding of the process and be able to provide you with a realistic timeline for delivery. They will also have a solid safety record, essential when entrusting your vehicle to them. If you are looking for an auto transport service provider, ask about the company’s experience. It can make all the difference in ensuring that your vehicle arrives safely and on time. 2. Do you have any insurance or liability coverage? It’s also important to ask about the company’s insurance policy. The transporter should have liability insurance, which will cover any damage done to your car during transport. If something happens while your vehicle is in their care, you’ll be glad you asked about insurance before hiring them. The company should have both commercial liability insurance and cargo insurance. This will protect you in case of an accident or loss while your car is in transit. 3. What kind of trailer will be used to transport my car? Different types of trailers can be used for car transportation, and each has its benefits and drawbacks. Open trailer: This type of trailer is a large metal box with no sides or roof. It is open to the elements, which can be a problem if you are shipping your car during bad weather. Enclosed trailer: This type of trailer has walls and a roof, which protects your car from the elements. However, enclosed trailers are more expensive than open trailers. And is an excellent option to ship expensive or classic vehicles. Roll-on/roll-off carriers are for large vehicles, like RVs and boats. If you are transporting a large car, you will want to ensure the transport service you choose uses this carrier. 4. How often can I track the progress of my car online? When you are shipping a car, it is crucial to be able to track its progress. This way, you can be sure that your vehicle is in good hands and will arrive at its destination on time. Many auto transport service providers offer online tracking so that you can keep an eye on your car at all times. However, not all providers offer this service. If you are still determining whether or not the provider you are considering offers online tracking, be sure to ask before signing up for their services. Another question you should ask the provider is how often they update the status of your car online. Some providers only update the status once daily, while others update it multiple times daily. It is vital to choose a provider who updates the status frequently so that you can stay up-to-date on where your car is and when it is expected to arrive at its destination. 5. Are your drivers licensed and insured? One of the most critical questions is whether or not the drivers are licensed and insured. Licensed drivers are legally allowed to operate commercial vehicles and have undergone training that ensures they know how to handle cars safely during transport. Insured drivers have coverage in case of an accident, which can help protect you from costly damages. It’s essential to work with a company that takes safety seriously. 6. What is the price for shipping a car? The cost of shipping a car can vary greatly depending on the size and weight of the vehicle, as well as the distance it needs to be transported. Here are some factors that will affect the cost of shipping your car: The size and weight of the car: Cars that are larger or heavier will generally cost more to ship than smaller cars. This is because they require more fuel and workforce to transport, which drives the overall cost. The distance between pickup and delivery points: The further apart the pickup and delivery points are, the higher the transportation costs will be. This is because there is more mileage involved in transporting the car, which means more fuel costs and time spent on the road. The type of carrier used: Each variety of carrier has its own set of pros and cons, so it’s essential to choose one that will best suit your needs. Closed trailers tend to be more expensive but offer excellent protection for your car during transport, while open trailers are less expensive. 7. What is included in your price quote? Be sure to ask about any additional fees that may apply and find out which type of shipping they use so that you can make an informed decision about which company is right for you. Some companies will charge extra for fuel surcharges, insurance, or even tolls. Others may include all of those charges in their initial price quote. Knowing what you are paying for is essential before you commit to using a particular company’s services. 8. How long will it take for my vehicle to arrive at its destination? This is an important question because you’ll want to know when to expect your car or truck to arrive. You’ll also want to be sure that the transport company can meet your deadline. Most auto transport companies should be able to give you an estimate of how long the trip will take. However, this estimate may change depending on traffic and weather conditions. The longer the distance, the longer the journey will take. On the other hand, heavier vehicles will take longer to transport than smaller ones. Besides, weather conditions can also play a role in how long the trip takes. If there is bad weather along the route, it could cause delays. It’s always a good idea to contact the transport company as soon as possible if you need to change your delivery date. That way, they can accommodate your request if possible. 9. What is the process for loading and unloading cars? The process for loading and unloading cars will vary depending on the provider. Some providers use a ramp system to load and unload cars, while others use a lift system. With a ramp system, the car is driven onto a ramp, which raises the car up and into the truck. With a lift system, the vehicle is driven onto a platform, which lifts the car up and into the truck. Both methods have their pros and cons. Ramp systems are generally cheaper and easier to use but can be dangerous if not used properly. Lift systems are more expensive but much safer and more reliable. It is essential to discuss with your auto transport service provider which method is best for your car and your budget. 10. Are there restrictions on what types of vehicles you can transport? Some companies may only be able to move cars, while others may also be able to transport trucks, RVs, and motorcycles. Some transport providers will not transport high-end or luxury vehicles, while others may not transport vehicles that are inoperable or have extensive damage. Meanwhile, ask about the company’s experience transporting cars of your type. This will give you a good idea of whether or not they have the expertise necessary to move your vehicle safely. 11. Do you provide door-to-door service? Door-to-door auto transport service means the transport company will pick up your car from your home and deliver it right to your door. There are a few reasons why you should ask an auto transport service provider if they offer door-to-door vehicle transport services. Perhaps you’re not comfortable with driving your car long distances, or you don’t live near any major highways. In either case, transporting your vehicle directly to your doorstep can save you time and hassle. Additionally, some auto transport providers may offer lower rates for door-to-door service than for transporting cars through a freight terminal. 12. What documents are required for shipping a car? If you’re shipping a car, there are some documents you’ll need to have in order. The most crucial document is the title of the vehicle. You’ll also need proof of insurance and a bill of sale if the vehicle is being sold. If you’re exporting the car, you’ll also need a customs declaration form. Make sure you have all these documents ready before shipping your vehicle! Bill of Lading: It records the details of the shipment, including the make, model, and VIN of the car. It also includes the weight and dimensions of the vehicle, the name and contact information of the shipper, and the consignee. The Bill of Lading is important because it is a contract between the shipper and the consignee. Title of the Car: It is a document proving car ownership. The seller and buyer must sign the title to be valid. Proof of Insurance: The document proves that the car is insured. The Proof of Insurance must list the name of the shipper, the consignee, and the carrier. Customs Declaration: This document lists the value of the car and the type of cargo it is. The Customs Declaration is important because it helps customs officials determine how much duty and taxes to charge on the vehicle. 13. What are your payment options? When looking for a reputable and reliable auto transport company, asking about the available payment options is vital. Most companies will require a deposit before the transport begins, with the final payment due once the car has been delivered. However, some companies may offer a payment plan, so ask about this before signing any contracts.Many auto transport companies will accept payment by check, debit or credit card, money order, or wire transfer. Be sure to ask about any additional fees associated with each payment method. For example, some companies may charge a fee for processing debit or credit card payments or wiring money. Paying by credit or debit card is the most convenient option, as you can do it online or over the phone. Most companies will charge a fee for this service, but it is worth it to avoid the hassle of writing a check or paying by invoice. If you decide to pay by check, ensure that you allow enough time for the check to clear before your car is picked up. You should also be aware that some companies will charge a fee for checks that bounce. Paying by wire transfer can be a bit more complicated, but it is a secure way to pay. 14. Will I need to be present when my car is picked up or dropped off? Some companies will require that you be there to sign paperwork and take possession of your car, while others will allow you to leave it in their care. If you can’t be there in person, some companies may allow a friend or family member to pick up your car for you. Ask about this beforehand, as it could affect how long your car will be in transit. If you cannot be there when your vehicle is picked up or dropped off, ensure the company has a process for handling this. 15. What is the process for booking car transport? Here are some crucial steps to book an auto transport company: Find a reputable auto transport company. There are many companies to choose from, so do your research to find one that has a good reputation and is licensed and insured. Get quotes from several companies. This will give you an idea of the average price for shipping your vehicle. Choose a company and book your shipment. Be sure to read the contract carefully to understand the terms and conditions. Pack your car securely for transport. Make sure all loose items are removed from the vehicle and that it is clean inside and out. You may also want to remove any personal belongings from the car if there is damage during transport. That’s it! Your car is now on its way to its new home. Be sure to keep in touch with the transport company during the trip and know when your vehicle will be delivered. Enjoy your new home! Benefits of hiring an auto transport company Here are some of the most vital reasons to hire the services of an auto transport company: Save time and hassle: Trying to figure out how to get your car from point A to point B can be extremely time-consuming and frustrating. Hiring a transport service will take all the guesswork out of the equation and allow your car to be transported quickly and safely. Peace of mind: Experienced professionals will handle your car with care, ensuring that it arrives at its destination in the same condition as when the shippers picked it up. Save money: Transporting a car can be expensive, but hiring a service can save you money. Professional transport services have the experience and resources to get your vehicle where it needs to go quickly and efficiently, which means you’ll spend less on gas and tolls. Avoid damage: Transporting a car yourself can be risky, as you’re putting your vehicle at risk and the other drivers on the road at. A transport service will safely transport your car to its destination, avoiding potential accidents or damage. Wide range of services: Transport services offer a wide range of services, from door-to-door transport to shipping across the country or internationally. This means you can find a service perfect for your specific needs, and you can rest assured that the professionals will handle your car with care. Convenience: Hiring a transport service is a convenient and easy way to get your car from point A to point B. You can relax and let the professionals care for everything, knowing that your vehicle is in good hands. In the end Auto transport companies are a great way to get your car from one place to another. They are reliable, efficient, and can save you time and hassle. Auto transport is the way to go if you are looking for a way to get your car from one place to another. SAKAEM logistics is a full-service shipping company that can handle everything from small vehicles to larger ones. We have a wide range of services available and can accommodate any budget. We also have a team of experienced professionals who can always help you with your shipping needs. Contact us today to learn more about our services! Harish Makam Share this: